Week of March 14, 2004

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Dear Parishioner,

Are you hungry? Need a little nourishment? Come be fed at our Parish Lenten offering, “Soul Food For Lent: Feeding the Body, Mind, and Spirit.” On two Tuesday evenings, a variety of topics will be offered for your enlightenment. The topics range from scripture, to music, meditation, missions, prayer, social justice issues, personality assessments, food decorations, the arts, exercise, and quilting.

Members of our Adult Enrichment Committee will be available this weekend to answer questions, but brochures are available in the kiosk and narthex throughout March. The sessions will be held from 7:15-9:15 p.m. on Tuesdays, March 23 and 30. You will be able to attend two breakout sessions each night, or a total of four topics of your choice over the two- week period.

All you need to do is arrive in the narthex by 7:15 p.m.,

Get your free tickets for the two sessions that evening, and fill your plate with soul food selections by Randy. We're excited about this Lenten opportunity and hope to see you there!

      Fr. George Smiga

RESPONSE TO THE REPORT ON SEXUAL ABUSE BY THE CLERGY The report released by the Catholic Bishops documenting the incidents of sexual abuse of children by Catholic clergy has reminded us all again of this deplorable problem in our Church and in society.

However, with the recently released report fresh in our minds, I feel we should as a parish provide an opportunity to discuss and absorb this information. Therefore on Tuesday evening, March 16 th we will hold

An Evening of Lamentation and Healing.

Tim Warneka, M.E.D., LPCC who is a parishioner and professional counselor and business consultant will assist me in facilitating the evening. It will be open to anyone who has feelings or opinions they would like to express in a safe, non-threatening faith context. It is my hope that if we can come together to express honestly what ever we are experiencing on this issue, we can as a community lament what has happened and move towards healing. The evening will run from 7-9:00 p.m. and be held on the lower level of our new Educational Wing. If you have an opinion on this painful reality in our Church please consider joining us on March 16 th .

Fr. George Smiga

SOLEMNITY OF ST. JOSEPH – March 19 – falls on a Friday this Lent. The Bishop has granted a dispensation from the Lenten abstinence, meat can be eaten.

BOWING AT MASS – During the season of Lent our introductory rites to the liturgy include a bow by the presider and the assembly. When the priest approaches your section of the church with the incense, he will bow as a way of reverencing the presence of Christ in us. We are invited to return that bow, acknowledging the presence of Christ in him. As the presider passes by, blessing us with the incense, it is also appropriate to sign ourselves with the sign of the cross.

OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY to Robert and Carol Gura on the death of Carol's mother, Ann Planicka; to Rosanne Madeja on the death of Rosanne's grandmother, Rose Liptak; to Nancy Copley on the death of her husband, Jerry; and to friends and family of Madeline Burgston who has died. Please keep these families in your prayers.

CONGRATULATIONS AND GOD'S BLESSING to Michael and Janice Cackowski on the birth of their son, Calvin James.

TODAY IS UB SUNDAY – This year's UB campaign is “Need Help Solving the Puzzle of Life” Read the Catholic Press!” Now is the time to subscribe to your diocesan newspaper. Pick up a subscription envelope on the table in the narthex.

STATIONS OF THE CROSS – Pray the Stations of the Cross each Friday of Lent at 7:30 p.m. in the church (after the fish fry). This week, March 19 th our Jail Ministry will lead the stations.

LENTEN BAGS – Please place your Lenten bags in the right hand bin in the food pantry area. Thank you.

ST. NOEL FISH FRIES – Fridays of Lent (not Good Friday), from 4:30-7:30 p.m. Volunteers are needed for serving and cleanup. Sign up sheet are on the kiosk if you can help. Also, Randy needs volunteers who can help set up fish fries on Fridays at 1:00 p.m. If you can help please call the hall office (440-946-6635) and let them know.

MAKING PEACE A REALITY IN YOUR LIFE A LENTEN REFLECTION – given by Colman McCarthy on Wednesday, March 31 at 7:00 p.m. at the Chapel of the Holy Trinity Ursuline Motherhouse, 2600 Lander Road, Pepper Pike. Tickets are $7.00. Please call 216-321-2954 x 201 or visit them at bnero@beaumontschool.org for more information or for tickets.

THE SPIRITUALITY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE: PRAYING WITH DOROTHY DAY AND THOMAS MERTON - A Retreat for Young Adults (ages 18-35) will take place at St. Augustine Church, 2486 W. 14 th Street, Cleveland on Saturday, March 27 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Participants will join the St. Augustine Hunger Center for lunch and please bring canned goods and non perishables to share with the homeless. A free will offering will be accepted. For reservations please call 216-228-0869 or email info@futurechurch.org by March 25

SOCIAL JUSTICE GEMS – “We seek to build evangelizing communities of faith, justice, and solidarity, where all believers are challenged to bring God's love, justice, and peace to a world in desperate need of the seasoning of the gospel and the light of Catholic teaching” (U.S. Catholic Bishops, Communities of Salt and Light).

HELEN PREJEAN, CSJ, TO SPEAK - Sister Helen Prejean, author of Dead Man Walking , will be speaking at Gesu Church in University Heights on
Wednesday, March 24 at 5:30 p.m. Her topic will be, “Where Do I Find Hope.” Sr. Helen's presentation is being sponsored by the Cardinal Suenens Center and is free and open to the public.

FIRST COMMUNION COMPANION – Eight children at St. Augustine will be preparing for First Communion beginning in April. Would you be willing to accompany them in their journey by assisting with instructions, Wednesdays 5:30-6:30 p.m., helping with clothing needs, and participating with them on their special day, May 1 st ? If you would be able to help in any way contact Ada Gornik of our Social Concerns Commission at 216-289-0180.

THE ELIZABETH MINISTRY'S “ELIZABETH'S ROSES” will be available in the narthex following all Masses this weekend. Designed to identify, pray for, and support the needs of women and their families during the childbearing years, parishioners are invited to select a rosebud from the display and indicate a particular need relating to pregnancy, birth, adoption, fertility or loss. Elizabeth ministers will pray daily for the families represented, and if requested, will contact the family in order to provide continued support. Prayer cards will be available for personal meditation. For further information on the Elizabeth Ministry, visit the parish website at www.stnoel.org, and click on “Caring Ministries.”

JOURNEYS OF PAUL—an Informative and reflective retreat. Join us on Wednesday, March 24 from 10:00 a.m. ‘til 2:00 p.m. On March 24, the day will take us to Philipi and Thessalonika. We will journey with Paul (and a few St. Noel parishioners!) through Greece and Turkey learning about the mission, ministry, and trials of the early Church. The day will be led by Fran Armbruster and Marianne Slattery. (a donation of $5.00 is suggested to cover the cost of lunch).

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL TEACHERS ---Get ready for the VBS of Champions! Join us for a fun-packed week daily from 9:00 a.m.-12:15 p.m. July 19-23 as we all become part of God's team in action! You can help St. Noel kids learn about our victory through Jesus Christ as they follow Paul's adventures. For two weekends (March 20/21 and 27/28) we invite teachers and staff volunteers to sign up in the narthex after Mass either weekend. Volunteers may register their own children on these two weekends.

ST. NOEL FELLOWSHIP – Activities for March are as follows: March 18 – ( THIS IS OUR 18 TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY WE WILL HAVE SOME SPECIAL SURPRISES FOR YOU ) 12:00 p.m. meeting and social then at 12:30 p.m. – luncheon consisting of roast pork, redskin potatoes, vegetable, salad, rolls, butter and key lime pie. The cost is $6.00 per person the deadline for tickets and payment is March 15. March 25 - we will be celebrating anniversaries and birthdays. Please remember to bring your food donation for the food bank to this meeting. Everyone is welcome to attend the Senior Fellowship on Thursday.

HELP PLANT THE SEEDS OF LITERACY – You can tutor a child who needs assistance with schoolwork or help an adult to earn his or her GED. Volunteers from St. Noel are needed again this year to tutor children and adults at St. Augustine Church's Learning Center in Cleveland. The Learning Center project is part of the on-going partnership between St. Noel and St. Augustine parishes. Training is available if needed, and materials for teaching are on hand. There are morning sessions; however, at this time the need is greater for early evening. Thirteen children are waiting to be helped. If interested, call our parish office, or dial directly to Bob Duda, project leader at St. Augustine's. His number is: 216-781-5330, Ext. 29.

ROSARY - Join us Tuesday, March 16 from 7-7:45 p.m. in the Chapel as we pray the Rosary. All are welcome to this quiet, reflective time in honor of Mary and her Son, Jesus.

EASTER HAMS – It's not too early to start thinking about purchasing your spiral-sliced ham through PRIME TIME, our awesome high school youth group!  These delicious hams are fully-cooked and vacuum-sealed to ensure freshness. And at $4.75 per pound (no increase from last year), they're the best value in town!!  Last year, over 130 people enjoyed these hams, and we hope to increase that number this year.  See the kiosk for details.  Call 946-6635 (the hall) or 946-1128 x20 (Anthony) to place your order.

PRIME TIME – It's our final session on human rights.  We've learned a lot!  See you tonight (Sunday) at 7:30pm.

JUNIOR HIGH YOUTH GROUP – our next session is this Tuesday, March 16 th at 7:00pm.  Bring your bibles. 

CRIBS NEEDED – Birthright of Lake County is in need of newer cribs.  The cribs should be 5 years or younger, and any slats must be no more than 2 3/8 inches wide.  If a pop can fits between the slats, the crib is no longer up to the current standards.  You can deliver the cribs directly to Birthright at 7471 Tyler Blvd in Mentor.  Call Birthright at 951-7055 for hours or call Anthony (946-1128 x20) to arrange pick-up.

NOEL MOVERS – We are in need of twin beds.  Please call Anthony if you can help (946-1128)

STEPHEN MINISTRY – Our annual retreat is March 20 th .  Please pray for our Stephen Ministers.  This confidential ministry is available to anyone experiencing a difficult time in life.  Trained ministers are happy to spend time with you each week.  Call the Church office for more information.

ST. NOEL GOLF LEAGUE – All men and women interested in joining the St. Noel Golf League are invited to a meeting on April 1, 2004 at the church in the Resurrection room (which is the old parish office) at 7:00 p.m. The league meets at Saint Denis Golf Course, 10660 Chardon Road, Chardon, Ohio. Starting times are on Thursdays at 4:02 p.m. through 4:57 p.m. The season begins on April 21 and ends September 9. If you have any questions call the parish office at 440-946-0887.

ALL SAINTS PRESCHOOL: Little Saints currently has open enrollment for its preschool program 2004-05. The preschool is part of the All Saints of St. John Vianney Elementary School located on the Center for Pastoral Leadership in Wickliffe. Classes are on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8:15-10:45 a.m. It's a great way to get your preschooler acquainted with the school while giving him/her an excellent education. An open house will be held on Tuesday, March 16 from 9-10:00 a.m. For more information please call 440-943-1395.

ADOPTION INFORMATION MEETING – Any one interested in learning about International Adoption is invited to an information meeting on Thursday, March 18 at 7:00 p.m. here at St. Noel in the Resurrection Room #1. For more information, please call the parish office at 440-946-0887.

THE LAKE COUNTY CHURCH NETWORK is seeking several individuals who would like to serve the Lord by working in their office to help find assistance for families in need. Office hours are 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday-Friday. Volunteers are asked to commit to at least 2 or more days a month, 4 hours each day. We will provide training. For more information please call 440-946-1193 and leave a message for the Lake County Church Network or fax us at 440-946-3771 or email us at lccn@ncweb.com .

HOSPICE OF THE WESTERN RESERVE needs volunteers. If you are interested in joining the Volunteer Team please call the Volunteer Office at 216-383-3731. Training classes are held throughout the year. Also Hospice of the Cleveland Clinic needs volunteers. If you are interested in helping please call 216-520-8453 for more information.

WOMANKIND MATERNAL AND PRENATAL CARE CENTER will conduct a volunteer training session Saturday, March 20 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at their facility at 5400 Transportation Blvd., Suite 10, in Garfield Heights. If you are interested in volunteering please call 216-662-5700.

DIVORCED AND SEPARATED CATHOLICS – Finding Forgiveness – Join Bill Boomer, Marriage & Family Ministry Specialist for the Dept. for Marriage & Family Ministry in the Diocese of Cleveland, on Tuesday, March 23, at St. Bede Church, Mentor, from 7-9:00 p.m. as he leads an evening focusing on forgiveness. To register, call Karen Jubeck at 440-352-8282. This evening is free of charge. Also an eight week self-help reflection and affirmation program called Divorce and Beyond will be presented at St. Paschal Baylon, 5384 Wilson Mills Rd., beginning Thursday, April 15, at 7:00 p.m. in the rectory. To join or inquire about this peer-support group, please call the rectory at 440-442-3410 x 106.

IN CELEBRATION OF WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH, The Institute of Catholic Studies at John Carroll University is honored to present a lecture by Professor Cristina Mazzoni, Associate Professor of Romance Languages, University of Vermont on Thursday, March 25, 2004 at 7:30 p.m. The lecture, “Nourishing Souls and Feeding Bodies: The Work of Christian Holy Women” will take place in the Conference Room of the D.J. Lombardo Student Center at 7:30 p.m. The lecture is free and open to all. For more information, please call 216-397-4558.

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